Ross Baldwin

Rotary Club of Austin-Oak Hill

On June 27, 2004, long time Rotarian Ross Baldwin was honored by Presidential Proclamation with the club's Service Above Self award
       For a Lifetime of Service and Dedication

 Presented To

ROSS E. BALDWIN

June 2004

Proclamation
by the
President, Rotary Club of Austin-Oak Hill

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

Whereas, Ross Baldwin, a WWII veteran who served in the Pacific, has been an outstanding Rotarian for nearly twenty years. He is by far the most active and visible leader in all areas of our community. Ross is the owner of Baldwin Beauty Schools and provides leadership in multiple organizations. He is a strong positive force in the community’s service and business organizations, the public schools, public affairs, and non-profit organizations. He was instrumental in the naming of the Will Hampton library in honor of Hampton, a Rotarian. He personally donated a large gazebo to the City for the library grounds, which converted an empty field into a joyful place where community activities are regularly held. He is generous, compassionate and caring - always ready to "Lend a Hand" to those in need with his time, compassion and money. A very typical example is when a young man he was mentoring got into trouble with the law. Ross went with him to his court hearings, arranged for his public service commitment and continued to mentor the young man until he honored his commitment and went on to become a productive citizen.

Whereas, Ross was the very first Rotarian of the Year (1986-87) in the Rotary Club of Austin-Oak Hill. He served as President of the Club in 1993-94 and was selected to the District 5870 Roll of Fame in 1994-95. He has 100% attendance since joining Rotary. He serves in and attends every Rotary function possible including BI-District Friendship Conferences, District Conferences, District Assemblies, Foundation Dinners and seminars, the International Conference (San Antonio) and New Member Academies in addition to every important board and committee meeting in his own club. He also served on the District Governor Nomination Committee and has been a counselor for Rotary Exchange Students from India, Taiwan and Germany. He is always a hands-on active participant in the Club’s projects, including (but not limited to): Adopt a Highway (roadside clean-up), Shots for Tots, assistance to the Salvation Army, Safe Place, all fund raising activities, the hosting of visiting Rotarians from abroad in his home and actively supporting the club’s New Models Pilot Program. Ross is a true living example of the ideals of Rotary and he is a firm believer in sharing his love for Rotary with others. He has recruited over 20 new members to the Club, many of whom are now club leaders. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and has presented additional Paul Harris Fellowships to recognize others for their accomplishments and to support the Foundation.

Whereas, Ross is active in a number of organizations in addition to Rotary but mentoring children is special to his heart. He has worked with the Austin Independent School District mentoring kids for over 10 years. He meets with the children weekly at the school and supports their other activities by attending their games, plays, scouting and other events. He involves them in Rotary by having the kids attend the meetings, encouraging them to volunteer their time for Rotary projects such as Christmas food & toy distribution and then he recognizes them publicly for their accomplishments. Ross has served on the board of the West Rural Center for at least 15 years and was honored as the Volunteer of the Year. He has served on the Travis County Grand Jury and the Patton Elementary Citizens Advisory Committee. He is a recognized leader in the South Austin Civic Club and was honored by them as the Business Person of the Year in 1999. The same is true of the Oak Hill Business & Professional Association where he was the 1987 Citizen of the Year. He is a member and avid supporter of the YMCA and a leader in the VFW. It is no wonder that the local newspaper publisher stated that Ross Baldwin had been on his front page more than anyone else because of his leadership and demonstrated love for the community.

Whereas, Ross Baldwin is the epitome of "Service Above Self". His generosity is legendary. Everyone from a young boy desperately needing an adult role model to the most senior community leader knows they can count on Ross for leadership, advice, counsel and support. He is truly a treasure. Every moment of his life is dedicated to "Service Above Self".

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Royal, President of the Rotary Club of Austin-Oak Hill, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Club’s Constitution, By-Laws and the Board of Directors, do hereby proclaim that Ross Baldwin is to receive this Club’s "Service Above Self Award" for a lifetime of service and dedication to the ideals of Rotary.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name in the City of Austin-Oak Hill, Texas, this the 27th day of June 2004.

(Signed)________________________________

Bob Royal, President

(Signed)________________________________

Bill Martin, Secretary